Joyce Erath

Joyce was born on August 4, 1941 in Marquette to William J. and Beatrice (Wager) Dionne and was a lifelong resident of the Marquette area. She graduated from Graveraet High School and married Donald Erath on August 13, 1960, in Marquette.

Throughout her life, Joyce worked a variety of jobs, including at the Huron Mountain Club and the Ben Franklin Store in Marquette. She was also a business owner, having owning and operating the Lori Dan Party Store at the Halfway Location for a number of years, as well as running a ceramic business from the same location.

Joyce had a deep love for animals, especially horses, and was a foster parent who generously opened her heart and home to children in need. She was actively involved with the 4-H Club at the Halfway Location, where she enjoyed sharing her knowledge and time with the youth.

Joyce enjoyed horseback riding, ceramics, cross-stitching, and sewing. She was known for making handmade stockings and quilts for family and friends. Joyce also had a wonderful sense of humor and always had a joke or prank to make others laugh.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Donald ‘Don’ Erath of Marquette; three children, Dan Erath, Lori (Rick Schwemin) DePetro-Schwemin and Cathy (Tom) Erspamer, all of Marquette; grandchildren, Jessey, Shannah (Megan), Kelsey, Derrick (Ashley), Tyler, Wyatt, Katie (Erik) and Bryan (Jade); great-grandchildren, Finley, Sula, Landon, Averie, Beau, Callahan, Locklyn, Beckett and Millie; her sister, Sherrie (Jim) Martin; life best-friend and cousin, Judy Setter; best friend, Carol Burns; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Beatrice Dionne, and her brother, Larry Dionne.

A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the American Legion Post 44 in Marquette.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joyce’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting Joyce’s family where memories and condolences may be made at fassbenderswansonhansen.com